'Hood hot spots

Lisa Arnett is the Metromix nightlife and shopping producerCHICAGO TRIBUNE

It's no secret that Avondale's standout restaurants and bars have come into a steady spotlight thanks to media coverage that has pushed places like Kuma's into near-viral territory. But recent newcomers have proven they also deserve a spot on the radar. Late Bar perked eyebrows when it attracted lines out the door on opening night Dec. 26. For a nightlife scene largely ruled by low-key Polish dives, that's a feat. All this attention has owners swelling with 'hood pride. "We are now the culinary center of Chicago, with Kuma's and Urban Belly down the street," says Hot Doug's owner Doug Sohn. Well, we wouldn't call it the next big restaurant row just yet. But from organic java to New Wave dance nights, these bars and eateries are worth visiting -- and revisiting.

----------

lmarnett@tribune.com

- - -

THE DESTINATIONS

Kuma's Corner

2900 W. Belmont Ave. 773-604-8769

This 5-year-old heavy metal-themed heavyweight is steadily named by locals as the best burger place in town, and national media shout-outs have boosted the buzz. Kuma's pretzel-bun burgers christened with metal band names are emulated but never duplicated.

Urban Belly

3053 N. California Ave. 773-583-0500

Chef Bill Kim caused a frenzy in summer '08 when he left fine-dining spot Le Lan to open this counter-service noodle shop. Based on the number of ramen fans they turn away when the kitchen closes at 9 p.m., Urban Belly could stay open all night.

Hot Doug's

3324 N. California Ave. 773-279-9550

Five years since relocating his "sausage superstore" from Roscoe Village, owner Doug Sohn is still dreaming up exotic dogs with new tricks. The latest? Pork sausage topped with chili-garlic mustard, Swiss cheese and shiitake mushrooms sauteed in duck fat.

THE NEWCOMERS

Late Bar

3534 W. Belmont Ave. 773-267-5283

Sure, you can order horchata at neighborhood taqueria El Palenque, but where else could you get an horchata martini (shaken with soy milk, if you please) before this cocktail lounge and late-night dance den debuted a month ago? Kristine Hengl and Dave Roberts, the DJs behind long-running New Wave club night Planet Sound, debuted their digs near the Belmont Blue Line "L" stop and with brought with them a herd of rockabilly chicks and New Wave devotees.

Square Bar & Grill

2849 W. Belmont Ave. 773-267-0123

Though this brick-walled hangout has dutifully collected runoff from Kuma's since opening last spring, it's also developed its own regulars. Keep an eye out this weekend for a retooled menu, which makes a permanent home for popular specials such as the American Dream, a bacon- and mushroom-topped burger wedged between two grilled cheese sandwiches.

THE STANDBYS

Alice's Lounge

3556 W. Belmont Ave. 773-279-9382

Perhaps the closest thing to Cheers on this stretch of Belmont, this late-night tavern is stocked with a roster of friendly regulars who won't let you imbibe alone. Beer drinkers knock back drafts of Sam Adams and Blue Moon or the trifecta of Polish bottled beers: Zywiec, Okocim and Tyskie. You won't have much competition for free pool on Mondays, but an '80s-loving karaoke crowd packs in on Friday and Saturday nights.

Curio Cafe

3400 N. Lawndale Ave. 773-463-2233

Do you like your coffee organic, your tea fair-trade and your omelets made with free-range eggs? This colorful corner cafe delivers. Since opening in spring 2007, owner Lucy Alvarez and family have brought their Guatemalan heritage to the table with breakfast platters of plantains and black beans, plus BYOB dinners Friday and Saturday nights.

The Orbit Room

2959 N. California Ave.

773-588-8540

This retro cocktail lounge has freshened up its menu with seasonal drinks such as the Bossa Nova, a nutmeg-sprinkled citrus concoction made with cachaca.

N

2977 N. Elston Ave. 773-866-9898

This Latin lounge (a sibling to the popular Tango Sur) has been bringing a taste of South American to Avondale since it opened in 2002. Dance to live Brazilian beats Tuesdays (10 p.m.).

For more favorites, from Chief O'Neill's to Wee Willy's Tavern, log on to metromix.com.